Where is Frank Fritz now? ‘American Pickers’ star suffered a debilitating stroke
DAVENPORT, IOWA: It has been almost six months since the world learned that Frank Fritz had been hospitalized following a debilitating stroke. The former 'American Pickers' star, 57, was found on the floor of his Iowa house by his close friend after suffering a stroke in July 2022.
The stroke appeared to be pretty critical after Fritz’s former 'Pickers' co-star Mike Wolfe ended their feud and asked fans to keep him in their prayers. “I have been very private in the past year in regards to Frank's life and the journey he’s been on," he wrote in a social media post. “There have been lots of opinions in regard to mine and Frank’s friendship and the show but now is not the time to set the record straight. Now is the time to pray for my friend. Frank has suffered a stroke and is in the hospital. Please keep him in your hearts and thoughts.”
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A month later, his father, Bill Fritz told The Sun that Frank is in a “stable” condition but still needs to be housed in a nursing facility for rehabilitation. Later that month, it was also reported that his “long-time friend” had filed for the emergency appointment of a temporary guardian and conservator, which an Iowa court approved. According to the court documents, Frank’s friend was appointed as his guardian, while a bank was selected to serve as a conservator to oversee his finances.
The conservator’s duty was to pay for Fritz’s everyday expenses, including health insurance, repairs, and tax on his property, and ensure he had the appropriate transportation to medical appointments and activities. They were also ordered to pay handouts for his clothes and hair care as well as make sure that federal and state income tax regulations are followed.
The documents also revealed that Fritz had lost his decision-making capability because of the critical stroke. “Because of his stroke, Mr. Fritz’s decision-making capacity is so impaired that he is unable to care for his own safety, or to provide for necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, or medical care without which physical injury or illness may occur,” the documents read, adding “he is also unable to make, communicate, or carry out important decisions concerning his own financial affairs.”
The court documents included an exhibit from a doctor which confirmed that Frank “does not have decisional capacity.” “Decisions must be made for Mr. Fritz’s care and placement while he continues to recover and receive treatment for his injuries,” the documents added. The court papers continued, “Appointment of a guardian and conservator is necessary to avoid immediate harm to him.” However, since then no new updates have been released from Frank’s family and legal team.
Frank's stroke came one year after he was fired from his role at 'American Pickers'. He last appeared on the show in March 2020. He stepped away, in part, to reportedly deal with health problems which included having back surgery and battling Chron’s disease.